Officials share tips on fatal crash prevention

The Lorain County Traffic Fatality Review Committee looked at 10 traffic crashes that left people dead.

The Lorain County Traffic Fatality Review Committee, conducted through Lorain County Public Health, met Sept. 8 and reviewed 10 traffic crashes that left 10 people dead.

The fatalities occurred between March 20 and Aug. 6 in Lorain County, according to a news release from the Traffic Fatality Review Committee.

Factors that contributed to the fatal crashes include: high speed in four crashes; alcohol in four crashes; potential medical issue in three crashes; victims younger than the age of 25 in three crashes; motorcycles in three crashes — helmets were worn by each motorcyclist at the time of the crashes; drugs in two crashes and distracted driver in one crash, the release said.

To make Lorain County roads safer, the Traffic Fatality Review Committee discussed sharing educational materials by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, according to the release.

The Traffic Fatality Review Committee will strategize and coordinate a message sharing with the Safe Communities Coalition later this fall.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s materials emphasize the importance of not speeding, always looking for motorcycles on the road and that “if you feel different, you drive different.”

Getting behind the wheel after using marijuana or other drugs puts everyone on the road at risk for a deadly crash, according to the release.

The Safe Communities Coalition and the Lorain County Traffic Fatality Review Committee remind Lorain County residents to be careful on the roads.

“It is important to remember the basics to keep us all safe,” said Lorain County Public Health Commissioner David Covell. “Always wear a seat belt, wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, drive sober, and look out for bicyclists and pedestrians on the roads.”

As of Sept. 9, 20 crashes resulting in 20 deaths occurred on Lorain County roads in 2021, according to the release.

“Always wear a seat belt, wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, drive sober, and look out for bicyclists and pedestrians on the roads.” — Lorain County Public Health Commissioner David Covell